Song Gongbao (A Celebration for Alliance Leader KKRGUN!)

After crossing the river, he entered the northern territories.

Aaron rode Little Jade, crossing mountains and ridges at great speed.

And the farther north he went, the more chaotic the region felt.

Mountain bandits, horse brigands, wandering refugees, thieves, even charlatans and witch-women—blood sacrifices to mountain lords and river gods and the like—were simply too numerous to count, growing ever more common.

From what he had learned along the road, the Central Plains had suffered drought for three years already. The authorities' relief efforts were inadequate, and refugees had appeared in many counties.

There were even greenwood heroes who had smashed through wealthy estates, raised banners and planted poles, and roamed the mountains in defiance.

Still, no one had openly shouted the slogan of rebellion yet, allowing Great Pine to maintain a veneer of peace from top to bottom.

"Sure enough... the great chaos will come within ten years?"

This required no qi-reading technique. It was a conclusion any person of insight in the realm could reach.

In truth, Aaron felt that, of the realm's present state, foolish rulers and corrupt officials probably bore half the blame.

The other half lay in too many people, too little land, no breakthroughs in productive technology—and then natural and man-made disasters struck!

With every contradiction erupting at once, even enlightened rulers and worthy ministers would be powerless to turn the tide.

Even Shakyamuni had lamented that supernatural powers could not overcome karma. What could mere mortals do?

"But when troubled times arrive, they will be my opportunity."

Aaron smiled. Since he was called Fang La, how could he possibly not rebel?

Oh, no—that was wrong. Since he had answered Heaven's mandate, it would not be rebellion, but hanging the people's grievances high and punishing the guilty, acting for Heaven and following the great